Manhattan townhouse of William Ivey Long

I've been posting too much about fashion lately. Feeling the need to go back to posting about interior design.

William Ivey Long is an acclaimed 5-time Tony award winning costume designer who has worked on over 50 Broadway productions, including Hairspray, The Producers, Guys and Dolls, and Chicago just to name a few. I came across photos of his NYC townhouse and just fell in love. Fell in love!!! It's rare that I come across a house which I would move in immediately and keep everything as it is. This is one of them. The aesthetic is mostly traditional, with some Victorian flourishes, and a few whimsical keepsakes.

The entry opens to a wide hallway lined with framed photos and prints. Because the furnishings are kept traditional and understated, the large crystal chandeliers don't make the space seem ostentatious at all and fit right in quite nicely.


This is the front parlor.


Another view of the front parlor. Gorgeous moldings. Notice the ceiling!




This is the second, back parlor. Love the dark wood wainscotting and trim.


Another view of the same back parlor.


China cabinet with an assortment of teacups.


Hallway. Love how there are books everywhere, much like my own place.


The library. Surprisingly simple and cozy. Tony awards line the mantel.






The master bedroom. Ancestral 1835 American Renaissance four poster bed.


Another shot of the bedroom.


Another view of the canopy bed and table accessories.


The guest bedroom. Don't you feel like you're at a quaint country B&B?


Bathroom on the top floor. I like the claw-foot tube but I would've installed a separate walk-in shower for convenience.


Now, some miscellaneous items:

Some grooming collectibles on the dresser in the bedroom and his grandfather's stickpin doll.


Hat pins and vintage cigar cases.


Bikes stored in the front parlor, next the entry.


And finally, Mr. William Ivey Long himself, sitting in his bedroom.

source: NYSD

Posted in: home tour,townhouse